Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has officially become the first holder of the new AES biometric identity card, underscoring the alliance’s push for deeper regional integration.

The card, which is valid for a decade, includes modern security elements that meet international requirements.

Its rollout marks a clear shift from ECOWAS structures, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s alignment with the AES.

A transition period of five years has been approved, during which the old IDs will remain usable before being completely replaced by the new biometric standard across member states.